Olympic contracting opportunities

How will Olympic contracts be procured?

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) will let the majority of construction-related contracts to build the infrastructure and venues required for the Games.

They have already let some early contracts such as the contract to design the Olympic Park and the ODA Delivery Partner, CLM consortium. CLM will work with the ODA to deliver the infrastructure in the Olympic Park for 2012 and beyond.

The ODA published its procurement policy in March, which can be viewed at  www.london2012.com/business.

The policy is designed to ensure that:

• Sustainability lies at the heart of the delivery of the London Games 
• Facilities meet the highest standards of design quality – and are of lasting use
• Local people are given every opportunity to benefit from the new jobs before and after the Games
• The Games are the most environmentally friendly ever
• The Olympic projects bring lasting economic, social and environmental benefits to London through regeneration and the creation of a lasting legacy.

The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) will let most of the contracts for services to deliver and stage the Games.

The majority of these contracts will be let from 2009 onwards and the london2012.com website will provide information on contracts as and when they become available.

Will the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games create any opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)?

Yes. The will be a massive opportunity for companies of every size in London and across the whole of the UK to showcase their products and services, find new trading partners, enter new markets and compete for contracts.

For the next few years, initial opportunities will be focused on infrastructure.

However, the Games will also provide potential for businesses in a range of different industries including professional services, tourism and hospitality, leisure, transport, retail, food and the creative and cultural sectors.

Even when large contracts are let, the LDA will seek to maximise the opportunities for small and medium-sized firms to compete for subcontracting work wherever possible.

What contracts have already been awarded?

A number of Olympic contracts have already been awarded.

CLM consortium has been selected as the Delivery Partner for the Olympics. In this role, CLM will support the ODA in project managing the delivery programme for the venues and infrastructure for the 2012 Games.

J Murphy & Sons Limited has been announced as the selected contractor to construct twelve kilometres of tunnels to replace the overhead power lines that currently cross the Lower Lea Valley.

The EDAW consortium, including Arup and Atkins, have been appointed as the Olympic Park and infrastructure designers. Working alongside the ODA, they will develop the Olympic Park Masterplan and design the infrastructure required, including everything from roads and waterways to drainage and utilities.